Don’t Be Afraid of the Light — VIFF 2017
Another film from the Short Series Teen Years: Heaven and Hell, this film is not for the faint of heart. Jason does a fabulous job of using intense music and great imagery that left this viewer with these descriptors: Deep, Disturbing, and Real.
The main character, a teen girl, is a scared, anxious mess that can barely function at school or at home. During the film, she finds the strength to fight back against a group of bullies from school, as well as a dark creature that haunts her at night. It is a story that unfortunately will be familiar to many of us.
When I asked Jason about his motivation for the film, he responded with his own vulnerability.
I have experienced a loss of reality from trauma, and have struggled to see what reality is. I have a lot of friends who have experienced familial or other sexual abuse, and I think it needs to be talked about.
I agree. I am glad he did. Check it out for yourself — it runs again at VIFF on Saturday October 7th at 6:45 pm.
